For this article we teamed up with FootballPredictions.com, according to their team Arsenal have been locked in contract talks with their two star players Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil since last summer and all efforts to get them put pen to paper have ended in futility.

And as per latest reports, Arsene Wenger claimed negotiations with the two players whose deals expire in 2018 have been put on hold till the summer, probably to focus on securing a top four finish.

They could exit the Emirates Stadium at the end of this season and Arsenal may equally prefer to cash in on them than losing them for free.

Losing either of the player would be a huge blow for Arsenal but the departure of Sanchez would have a worse effect. And the problem now is he looks more likely the one to leave. There is still a possibility of Ozil signing a new deal but Sanchez seem determined to leave the London club at the end of the season.

No doubt, Ozil has been an integral member of Arsenal and Wenger have built the midfield around him but despite that the German midfielder is still easily replaceable as can be seen with the likes of Robert Pires, Cesc Fabregas, Aleksandar Helb and Tomas Rosicky.

The likes of Santi Carzola, Jack Wilshere, and Aaron Ramsey could be deployed to fill his role. Though none of the players are actually in his class but they can still provide the needed contributions.

So what makes Sanchez more important to Arsenal than Ozil?

Sanchez looks like the more difficult players to replace. Arsenal have spent years hunting for a world-class striker before Wenger’s decision to convert the Chilean international to a centre-forward this season.

And that provided the solution Arsenal have been looking for. The former Barca man has been involved in over 30 goals for his side this season across all competitions. Not even, Olivier Giroud the main striker can match his prowess in the final third while Lucas Perez does not pose the same threat like Sanchez.

There has been much change for Arsenal in the middle and at the back but the upfront has witnessed a major change.

Of a true, Arsenal fans would not want to return to those periods of not having a performing forward to lead the team’s attack.

Beyond his technical skill, he has infected the team with his winning mentality; he is an inspiration to younger players at the club and a born leader, something which Ozil shy away from. Curious on how Arsenal will perform in the last months of the season? Head out to the Premer League section of FootballPredictions.com to check out their analysis.